First Day of Volunteering!!

I started my volunteer program today and I love it! My advisor went with me to the school to show me which trains to take and how to get there; I really like the train I take because it is smaller and pretty much only Florentine people take it. The school is just outside of central Florence and it is much quieter than the central city which is a nice change of pace. The students are all 10-11 years old and I felt like a celebrity when I first walked in as they all rushed the door and started asking me questions-all in Italian which was a bit overwhelming-yet very welcoming all at the same time. Most of the children are emigrants from Eastern Europe and Africa. It is a bit difficult to communicate with them because they speak little English, but that's what I am there for! The teacher is very helpful and wants me to create lesson plans each week so that I will be able to teach the lesson. She told me I can be as creative as I want and try to think of any techniques that will help the students learn English.  The class is slightly chaotic as there is not much classroom control but I am very excited about this opportunity and I might ask if I can go more often because I don't think one hour per week will be enough.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!